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ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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A Multi-Scale Perspective on the Limits of Physics: Embracing the Unsolvable

Authors: Knipe, Mark;

A Multi-Scale Perspective on the Limits of Physics: Embracing the Unsolvable

Abstract

This paper proposes that fundamental limits in physics arise not from temporary technological gaps, but from inherently inaccessible scales of reality. Using a multi-scale perspective, it examines how phenomena at one level (e.g., quantum entanglement, Planck-scale gravity) depend on unobservable deeper or broader layers, creating an infinite regress/progression with no testable foundation. Drawing an analogy to Gödel’s incompleteness, the work argues that key unsolved problems—quantum gravity, dark energy, dark matter, and the unification of forces—may remain permanently beyond empirical resolution due to cross-scale feedback loops and observational barriers. Rather than pursuing a complete "Theory of Everything," science must accept epistemic boundaries and redirect effort toward pragmatically verifiable domains. This shift redefines the goals and philosophical scope of physical inquiry.

Keywords

physics epistemology, multi-scale limits, inaccessible scales, quantum gravity, dark energy, dark matter, infinite regress, epistemic boundaries, theory of everything, scientific inquiry, Gödel analogy, cross-scale interactions

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green